The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) has formally approved Iraq hosting Gulf Cup 28, scheduled to take place in December 2028, alongside awarding the country the hosting rights for the Gulf Olympic Teams Tournament in 2027. The decision highlights growing regional confidence in Iraq’s organizational and logistical capabilities following several successful international sporting events.
Following the announcement, local officials confirmed that the official host city for Gulf Cup 28 will be determined through a cabinet decree, while southern provinces have already begun early coordination. Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani announced that initial preparations are underway across Basra and Dhi Qar to ensure venues and infrastructure meet international standards ahead of both competitions.
AGCFF Confirms Hosting Rights for Iraq
The First Vice President of the Iraqi Football Association and Executive Board Member of the AGCFF, Sarmad Abdul Ilah, told the Iraqi News Agency that the executive board officially granted Iraq the right to organize Gulf Cup 28. The flagship regional championship will run from December 9 to December 22, 2028.
Abdul Ilah added that the executive board also approved Iraq’s bid to host the Gulf Olympic Teams Tournament from March 21 to April 3, 2027. This decision provides Iraqi sports authorities with two consecutive major regional tournaments within a two-year span, reinforcing Iraq’s return to the center of regional football competitions.
Tournament Timelines and Venues
– Gulf Olympic Teams Tournament: March 21 to April 3, 2027, hosted in Basra Governorate.
– Gulf Cup 28 Championship: December 9 to December 22, 2028, held within Iraqi territory.
– Host city selection: Determined by the Iraqi government in coordination with the IFA and AGCFF.
– Coordination level: Joint ministerial and technical oversight across local organizing committees.
Official Host City Selection to Be Set by Government Decree
Abdul Ilah clarified that selecting the host city and designated stadiums for Gulf Cup 28 will be formalized through an official Iraqi government resolution. The selection process will occur in direct consultation with the Iraqi Football Association and the AGCFF technical committees.
The government will review stadium readiness, hospitality capacity, transportation links, and security arrangements before issuing the final decree. This organized framework aims to distribute organizational responsibilities effectively and deliver modern sports facilities that align with regional standards.
Basra and Dhi Qar Initiate Early Preparations
Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani affirmed that early logistical preparations have already started, stating that earning the trust of regional sports bodies represents a major responsibility for Iraq. Al-Eidani emphasized that work has begun immediately to present a tournament edition worthy of the country’s regional standing.
Al-Eidani noted that Basra is fully equipped with sports facilities and essential infrastructure, pointing out that recent competitive fixtures of the Iraqi national team were successfully organized across Basra’s stadiums with strong public attendance.
Proposed Group Distribution Across Southern Stadiums
The governor revealed active coordination with the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, Hamid Al-Ghazi, to complete construction on a secondary sports city project in Dhi Qar. Under the proposed concept, tournament fixtures could open in Basra, with group-stage matches split between stadiums in Basra and Dhi Qar.
Al-Eidani stressed that provincial authorities fully respect the technical decisions of the Iraqi Football Association regarding match venues. He also stated that no political considerations will influence host city decisions, keeping evaluations strictly focused on technical and organizational readiness.
Key Pillars of Iraq’s Tournament Preparation Strategy
– Completing and upgrading sports city projects across southern provinces.
– Modernizing transport networks, airport facilities, and hotel accommodations.
– Implementing streamlined border and visa procedures for visiting Gulf fans.
– Coordinating security protocols between federal and local police commands.
– Upgrading media broadcasting centers and press facilities to international standards.
Economic and Regional Sporting Impact
The decision regarding Iraq hosting Gulf Cup 28 is anticipated to stimulate economic activity across southern Iraq, boosting tourism, aviation, hospitality, and retail sectors during the tournament period. Thousands of visiting supporters and regional delegations are expected to attend the matches.
Hosting both the 2027 Olympic tournament and the 2028 senior championship provides Iraqi national squads with home advantage and extended competitive preparation. It also allows sports institutions to build lasting operational experience for future international bids.
Conclusion:
The official awarding of Gulf Cup 28 and the 2027 Gulf Olympic tournament marks an important milestone for Iraqi sports administration. With early preparations beginning in Basra and Dhi Qar and an upcoming cabinet decision to settle stadium allocations, Iraq is positioning itself to deliver a comprehensive regional championship in 2028.
